Finance and operations director jobs

Thank you for your interest in the role of Management Accountant at the Fair Education Alliance. 

The Fair Education Alliance (FEA) is a cross-sector coalition of 300 member organisations tackling educational inequity. We unite behind a shared vision: no child’s success is limited by their socioeconomic background. 

In September 2025 we launched an ambitious five-year strategy ‘From Neighborhood to National’ to confront the deep-rooted inequities facing children and young people. This is an exciting moment of organisational growth at The Fair Education Alliance. As we scale our work and our team, we are investing in our operational foundations to ensure we remain well-governed, financially resilient and able to deliver our strategy with confidence. 

This role represents a significant investment in that infrastructure. You will be joining a small but highly capable operations team and playing a central role in how FEA manages and understands its finances as it grows. You will work closely with relevant members of the senior leadership team and colleagues across the organisation. 

The Management Accountant plays a central role in ensuring that the Fair Education Alliance’s finances are accurate, well managed and clearly understood across the organisation. Working as part of the operations team, the postholder maintains the financial systems and processes that underpin FEA’s work. This includes overseeing day-to-day finance operations, producing reliable management accounts, supporting budgeting and forecasting, and ensuring that financial records meet charity accounting and regulatory requirements.

The Management Accountant also acts as a trusted financial partner to colleagues across the organisation. By providing clear, accessible financial information and helping budget holders understand their resources, the role enables confident decision-making by the senior leadership team and trustees. Through careful financial stewardship, strong attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement, the Management Accountant helps ensure that FEA remains financially resilient and able to deliver its mission to create a fairer education system. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis from Tuesday 10 March

• Applications close: 30 March (9am)

• First round interviews: Rolling during application window 

• Second round interviews: Rolling during application window 

• Start date: As soon as possible (to be agreed with the successful candidate) 

Thank you for your interest in the role of Operations Officer at the Fair Education Alliance 

The Fair Education Alliance (FEA) is a cross-sector coalition of 300 member organisations tackling educational inequity. We unite behind a shared vision: no child’s success is limited by their socioeconomic background. 

In September 2025 we launched an ambitious five-year strategy ‘From Neighborhood to National’ to confront the deep-rooted inequities facing children and young people. This is an exciting moment of organisational growth at The Fair Education Alliance. As we scale our work and our team, we are investing in our operational foundations to ensure we remain well-governed, financially resilient and able to deliver our strategy with confidence. 

This role is central to that investment. You will be joining a small, highly capable operations team and playing a pivotal role in how FEA runs day-to-day as it grows. You will work closely with relevant members of the senior leadership team and colleagues across the organisation, and your contribution will be felt across everything we do. 

The Operations Officer plays a central role in ensuring that the Fair Education Alliance runs smoothly, efficiently and to a high standard across all aspects of its work. Working as part of the operations team, the postholder helps maintain the systems, processes and practical foundations that enable the organisation to function effectively.

This includes supporting people operations and HR administration, coordinating governance processes, managing organisational systems and IT access, and delivering high-quality logistics for events and organisational activities.

Acting as a trusted point of support for colleagues, the Operations Officer helps create a responsive and well-organised working environment where staff, trustees and members feel enabled to do their best work. The role requires exceptional organisation, sound judgement and a genuine pride in quality.

By ensuring that the practical aspects of the organisation run reliably and well, the Operations Officer helps create the conditions that allow the Fair Education Alliance to deliver its mission and drive progress towards a fairer education system. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis from Tuesday 10 March

• Applications close: 30 March (9am)

• First round interviews: Rolling during application window 

• Second round interviews: Rolling during application window 

• Start date: As soon as possible (to be agreed with the successful candidate) 

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS

Strategic Finance and Operations Director leading finance, HR, IT and compliance for a national lifesaving charity and its commercial subsidiaries.

• Location: Worcester / Hybrid (2–3 days a week in office)
• Benefits: 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and discretionary birthday day off; private health and life assurance; Life Assurance Scheme; Enhanced Society Sick Pay

Are you a strategic finance leader ready to shape the future of a national charity? Do you have the experience and will to lead finance, HR, IT and compliance with authority and clarity?

Charisma Charity Recruitment has partnered with Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) to appoint a new Director of Finance and Operations. RLSS UK saves lives by leading in water safety education, lifeguarding and drowning prevention, with a thriving commercial directorate and a new 2025–2030 strategy.

Reporting to the CEO and leading the corporate services directorate, you will hold accountability for financial stewardship across the charity and its subsidiaries, ensuring strong governance, regulatory compliance and operational resilience.

You will:

• Lead financial strategy, budgeting, reserves and risk to secure long-term sustainability
• Prepare annual accounts under Charity SORP and report at Board level
• Lead HR, IT, compliance and facilities, driving performance and accountability
• Strengthen corporate governance and regulatory relationships
• Contribute as a key SLT member, shaping strategy and major projects

We are seeking a qualified accountant (ACCA/CIMA/ACA) with senior charity experience, commercial acumen and the credibility to operate at Board level.

For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Executive Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Closing date: Tuesday 24 March 2026
Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by: EOD Thursday 2 April 2026
Interviews with RLSS UK: w/c 13 April 2026 onwards

Hours: Full-time

Pay: Up to £51,100 GBP gross per annual (dependent on experience)

Duration: Permanent

Location: UK-Med Office, Manchester, UK with hybrid working (approximately 30% on-site)

Do you have the strategic insight and operational expertise to ensure strong and effective financial leadership in a fast-growing humanitarian organisation?

UK-Med is a frontline medical aid charity. Born of the NHS, we’ve been working for over 30 years towards a world where everyone has the healthcare they need when crises or disasters hit.

As UK-Med continues to grow and scale its impact, we are strengthening our financial capacity to meet rising humanitarian needs. In this context, the new Head of Finance (UK) will play a pivotal role in ensuring the strength, integrity and effectiveness of UK-Med’s financial management.

You’ll lead the operational finance function overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, payroll, treasury and grant management, and support for fundraising, ensuring the organisation has the financial resilience to deliver life-saving humanitarian responses around the world.

Based in the UK, this role is central to maintaining high standards of financial governance, supporting sound decision-making, managing risk and ensuring effective systems, policies and processes. You’ll work closely with our Associate Director of Finance and senior leadership team, while leading and developing a high-performing finance team.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives on supporting operational delivery, ensuring high-quality financial reporting, and strengthening systems. You’ll bring together technical excellence and strong leadership skills, working collaboratively and effectively in a complex, fast-changing environment. Your contribution will directly enable UK-Med to respond rapidly to emergencies and make a tangible impact on people affected by crises.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits, a collaborative and supportive working environment, and the opportunity to make a real difference through humanitarian work.

UK-Med is a growing and ambitious organisation with a passionate team of staff, members, and volunteers. This is a truly exciting opportunity to shape the future of our financial function and support our mission to provide healthcare in emergencies worldwide.

How to apply

We strongly recommend that you read the Candidate Information Pack – Head of Finance (UK) - March 2026before applying for this role.

To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting letter (2 pages) through our online jobs portal.

Response to the following question:

• A detailed explanation of your suitability for this post with specific reference to the essential criteria in the person specification

Please apply as soon as possible and no later than Thursday 2nd April 2026.

Candidates who meet the eligibility and salary thresholds for visa sponsorship may be considered. However, it’s important to note that the role is based in the UK, and regular attendance at our Manchester HQ is expected. Therefore, candidates currently based outside the UK would need to be willing to relocate if successful.

UK-Med is committed to safeguarding of our personnel and beneficiaries and has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse. We conduct thorough vetting before any appointment is confirmed.

UK-Med is committed to the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive environment where employees feel respected and supported to be able to fulfil their potential.

Director of Finance & Operations

• Hours: 37.5 hours per week 
• Location: Oxford
• Salary: £85,000 per annum
• Closing date: 26th March 2026 at 12 noon 

Join Helen & Douglas House as our next Director of Finance & Operations

Help to shape the future of the world’s first children’s hospice and make a profound difference to the lives of local families.

Helen & Douglas House has been supporting children living with life‑limiting conditions and their families for more than 40 years. We are a place of compassion, expertise and unwavering commitment — and now, we are searching for an exceptional Director of Finance & Operations to help ensure we build upon our unique legacy of innovative and impactful care and support.

A role with purpose. A role with impact.

As a key member of our Executive Team and working closely with our CEO and Board of Trustees, you will be at the heart of strategic decision making — ensuring our resources, systems and operations are effective, efficient, and aligned with the needs of the children and families we serve. This is an opportunity to influence the long-term sustainability of a truly special organisation at an important and exciting time for the hospice sector.

What you’ll lead

In this role, you will provide strategic leadership across Finance, Estates & Operations, Information Systems, Data & Governance, Risk, Health & Safety and our Project Management Office.

• Providing insightful financial leadership to help shape our strategic plans.
• Oversee the annual corporate planning and budget cycle.
• Ensure strong governance, regulatory compliance and effective risk management.
• Lead our Estates & Facilities strategy, ensuring our buildings and environments remain safe, high quality and fit for purpose.
• Guide the development of an effective organisational information systems strategy.
• Support and empower a talented cohort of Heads of Department — fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and excellence.
• Act as a trusted ambassador to regulators, partners, advisors and donors.

Who we’re looking for

You will be:

• A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA).
• A strategic and inspirational leader with experience overseeing diverse operational functions.
• Skilled at navigating complexity, shaping strategy and driving organisational performance.
• An exceptional communicator, able to build trust and confidence with stakeholders at every level.
• Passionate about making a meaningful difference through high quality, sustainable charitable services.

Experience in the non‑profit or healthcare sector is welcome but not essential — what matters most is your leadership, values and ability to deliver impact.

Why join us?

At Helen & Douglas House, every decision you make directly supports children and families facing life-limiting conditions. You will join a committed, values driven Executive Team and help to lead an organisation with a powerful mission and deep community roots. If you’re motivated by our purpose and ready to bring your expertise to an organisation where your leadership will truly matter, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us secure an impactful and sustainable future for Helen & Douglas House and the families we serve.

Please note that everyone working for Helen & Douglas House are required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Helen & Douglas House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and value the benefits of a diverse workforce. We positively encourage applications from all areas of the community.

Harris Hill is delighted to be partnering with Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity to recruit their new Director of Finance & Operations.

• LOCATION: Amersham, Buckinghamshire
• REPORTING TO: Chief Executive Officer
• ORGANISATION: There are only 20 employees in the charity
• RESPONSIBLE FOR: Senior HR Executive (PT) and Database & Operation Officer (PT) This is a Standalone Finance role, with no other finance support.
• HOURS: Full-Time (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday)
• HYBRID WORKING: A minimum of 2 days a week and SLT meetings, is required at their offices in Amersham, Buckinghamshire
• SALARY: circa £65,000pa
• PENSION: 7% non-contributory
• ANNUAL LEAVE: 28 days, plus bank holidays
• OTHER BENEFITS: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Free Parking 

INTERVIEWS ARE AVAILABLE W/C 30TH MARCH                                                                                         

Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity provides specialist nurses and life-changing support for seriously ill children.

Across the UK, over 200 Roald Dahl Nurses care for more than 40,000 children living with complex, lifelong conditions.

For many families, the road to diagnosis is complex and uncertain, juggling hospital visits, managing medications, and navigating treatments and tests. They are often under the care of multiple specialists, across different hospitals.

Roald Dahl Nurses join families on this journey. They provide coordination of care, emotional support, and a trusted, familiar presence both in hospital and at home. They help families feel less overwhelmed and isolated and more in control.

Our vision is that every seriously ill child deserves a Roald Dahl Nurse and fundraising is core to achieving this.

Job Description

The Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) will play a crucial role in realising our ambitious plans as a charity. The postholder will be a member of our Senior Leadership Team (SLT), along with the CEO, Director of Development, Director or Programmes and Director of Fundraising and Communications.

The DFO role is responsible for overseeing the financial health, operational effectiveness, and organisational infrastructure of the charity, ensures that the charity operates efficiently, ethically, and in compliance with all regulatory and fiduciary requirements.

This role blends strategic financial leadership with hands-on operational management and is critical to enabling the charity to achieve its charitable programme as well as provide long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities                             

Financial Leadership & Management

• Provide strategic financial leadership, including long-range financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Develop and manage the organisation's annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Manage the accounting functions, including payroll and pension, and month-end and year-end close.
• Prepare and present timely, accurate financial reports to the SLT, Finance and Investment Sub- Committee, and Board of Trustees.
• Monitor cash flow, reserves, and investments to ensure financial stability and liquidity.
• Ensure compliance with all financial regulations, funder requirements, and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Lead annual audits and coordinate with external auditors.
• Manage relationship with investment managers and their adherence to investment strategy.

Operations & Organisational Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure efficient systems, processes, and internal controls.
• Lead and continuously improve policies and procedures related to finance, operations, and administration.
• Manage organisational risk, insurance coverage, and compliance (e.g., legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations).
• Oversee facilities, technology, and vendor relationships, ensuring cost-effe

We're recruiting an Operations Officer to lead the foundation’s office management and outsourced IT functions, support cross-team administrative needs, support key compliance tasks, and to manage operations special projects. This role works closely with all members of the staff team. It is an operations management, project management, and administrative role. The foundation is in an exciting period of growth, and this position represents a key investment in our organisational infrastructure.

Please see the attached recruitment pack for more details.

Agile - London Office/Home, United Kingdom

We’re looking for a strategic, people-centred leader to step into this pivotal role. Working across Fundraising, Marketing, PR and Communications, and Faith & Membership, you’ll drive cross-organisational alignment, improve campaign delivery, and strengthen collaboration across functions.

Reporting to the both the Director of Fundraising and the Director of Marketing you will lead or support a series of high-impact, cross-functional initiatives, including the development of our flagship Christmas campaign, ensuring consistent messaging, joined-up planning, and efficient use of resources.

You’ll be a strategic enabler able to advise on operational effectiveness, fostering greater collaboration across teams, and support the Communications Service Leadership Team in delivering business-critical operations.

This is a rare opportunity to influence how we work across the Communications Service, laying the groundwork for more connected, coordinated delivery across all income generation and engagement activities.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Substantial experience in strategic project leadership within complex organisations
• A track record in integrated communications, or campaign planning
• A passion for building high-performing teams that thrive together 
• Ability to influence at a senior level and inspire and motivate colleagues.

If you are an ambitious experienced operational leader looking for your next challenge and would like to play a key role in The Salvation Army’s income growth, this could be the role you’re looking for.

Working hours: Minimum of 35 hours per week, working a minimum of 40% across each month in the Territorial Headquarters, London.

Closing date: Monday, 30 Mar 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

In order to complete your application please download and read the job profile and any other attachments.

In the job profile you will find the criteria required for the role please make sure that you address this in your supporting statement as this forms the basis of our shortlisting.

Appointment subject to satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK

For details of how to prove your right to work in the UK please visit the Government website and please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship.  

Please note that any Salvation Army employees who are under notice of redundancy and apply for this position will be given priority consideration.

We reserve the right to close this advert earlier if we feel that we have received sufficient applications.

Promoting equality in the workplace and as a disability confident leader scheme employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet all the minimum essential criteria for the vacancy.

Benefits:
25 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part-time) a contributory pension scheme; an employee assistance programme

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join Reprieve in a senior leadership position that brings together legal, compliance, governance, finance and operational oversight.

The Director (Legal and Operations) will play a central role in ensuring Reprieve runs effectively, is well-governed and has strong foundations for impact. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will be a trusted advisor across the organisation providing expert guidance on organisational legal matters including employment law, compliance, sanctions, data protection, contracts, privilege, and managing relationships with key partners (you will not be responsible for strategic litigation relating to clients or day-to-day casework as these issues are handled by the casework teams).

You will also support the effective functioning of our Board, ensuring strong governance processes and compliance with our charitable and regulatory obligations. A key part of the role is skilled risk management - helping the organisation navigate complexity while enabling rather than constraining our work.

Reporting to the CEO, you will line manage the Head of Operations and Head of Finance, providing strategic direction and support to ensure these functions are operating as effectively as possible and that relevant information is able to be communicated appropriately and clearly to the Board.

This is a role that spans the technical and the operational, requiring someone who is comfortable working across different domains - from legal and compliance questions to organisational functioning, budgets and Board management. We're looking for someone with a sharp legal mind who understands NGO governance, has good judgment and an ability to work collaboratively and effectively with teams across the organisation.

As a small legal NGO, Reprieve punches above its weight, and this role is key to making that possible.

For full details, please read the job description. 

About Reprieve

Reprieve is a leading international human rights organisation working to end the death penalty and abuses committed under the banner of national security. Founded in 1999, our mission remains critically relevant as governments worldwide increasingly adopt authoritarian tactics, expanding executive power at the expense of civil liberties.

You can best judge a society by how it treats prisoners, criminal defendants, and the far-flung targets of an ever-changing counter-terror policy. To us, the rule of law means little if we selectively apply it to people we agree with. It is for all of us. Liberty is always eroded at the margins.

Reprieve’s staff is made up of courageous and committed human rights defenders. We provide vital legal and investigative support to those facing execution and victims of rendition, torture, arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killing, and citizenship stripping. Our work spans multiple jurisdictions, challenging states' most egregious human rights violations through strategic litigation, investigations, and advocacy.

We support cases in courts worldwide while building the legal and political momentum necessary to consign these practices to history.

Based in London with Fellows and partners globally, Reprieve operates at the intersection of law, policy, and human rights, working alongside governments, senior legal practitioners, and civil society to advance systemic change.

We collaborate closely with our independent partner organisation Reprieve US.

Terms

This is a full-time role on a permanent contract. The annual salary is £71,379 per annum, less any required deductions for income tax and national insurance.

This role is based in Reprieve’s London office. Reprieve operates a hybrid working model and we require staff to work 40% of their working hours from the London office and the rest of the week from home. Applicants must have the current right to work in the UK, which will be checked prior to interview.

Further information and how to apply

To apply, please read the full job description and submit a cover letter and CV addressing your interest in the role, and how you meet the criteria (both no more than 2 pages) via the application form on our website by 23:59 GMT on 5 April 2026. Please note that no other documents will be considered for this role and should not be submitted. We are also not able to accept applications via email.  

The Finance and Business Operations Director will lead VAST’s financial and operational strategy, ensuring robust financial management, effective HR and IT systems, compliance with Health and Safety, and the efficient running of The Dudson Centre.

The postholder will act as Company Secretary, overseeing governance and compliance, and also serve as the organisation’s Money Laundering Reporting Officer.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the role contributes to strategic planning and organisational development, as well as supporting VAST’s day-to-day delivery.

What we're looking for

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, etc.)
• Significant experience in financial management and business operations in the VCSE sector.
• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills
• Knowledge of charity finance, governance, and compliance.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to travel locally and work occasional evenings/weekends.

About Rose Castle Foundation
Our vision is to build a more sustainable peace in some of the world’s most polarised societies. We do this by equipping a global network of leaders with the habits and skills they need to act across deep divides and transform unhealthy conflict. With more than 20 years of experience in the field, we specialise in creating spaces for faith-formed leaders to encounter each other authentically, re-humanising those they no longer see or hear, and working towards a more peaceful future where both sides flourish – one in which their differences still matter.

We work in partnership with organisations that have the capacity to enable long term, transformational change by supporting tomorrow’s leaders to lead through change, chaos and conflict. Our partners include universities, seminaries, houses of worship, faith based and non-governmental organisations, located in a range of the world’s most divided contexts.

RCF is receiving unprecedented demand for our work and we are moving from a period of start-up to growth where there are exciting opportunities for the Foundation, our partners, and our team members. We are a close-knit team who support one another and are passionate about our mission. We look forward to welcoming new team members.

Outline of Role
As RCF enters this exciting stage, there is huge demand for our support in a wide range of global contexts, and our key challenge is to ensure we have robust institutional capacity - systems and procedures - to attract and effectively administer growing levels of investment.

As RCF attracts multi-year funding from a wider range of partners – including large grant providers and high-net-worth individuals - we need greater financial management capacity to ensure we are managing our resources responsibly and effectively. There will therefore be a strong focus on managing RCF’s finances – and strong experience in this area will be essential. There is also a focus on wider aspects of our operations and human resourcing.

The jobholder will work closely with the Co-Director (Strategy and Organisational Development) receiving support and encouragement where required. There will always be a strong focus on personal growth and for the right candidate there is scope to quickly grow into leading the finance and operations functions, reporting directly to Trustees and senior strategic partners and becoming a key strategic voice in the organisation.

Do you want to work for a dynamic, creative, fast-paced charity?

At Action Together we see the amazing things people achieve when they work together to make the lives of others better. If you share our values: believe it’s possible, strengthen others, and be true, we’d love you to consider joining our team.

Finance Director

The ideal candidate

We seek a finance leader driven by values, with extensive experience directing finance operations and delivering top-tier financial planning, reporting, and governance. This role requires strong technical accounting abilities, exceptional communication skills, and the talent to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences.

You should be a collaborative, inclusive leader who excels at developing team members, managing risks, negotiating effectively, and guiding the organisation through periods of change. Most importantly, you must be committed to Action Together’s mission of social justice, equity, and community empowerment.

The role

The Finance Director will play a pivotal role in ensuring Action Together remains financially robust, sustainable, and compliant as a charity and employer. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will partner closely with the CEO and Board to shape a resilient business model, strengthen financial governance, and provide strategic direction that supports our mission and values.

You will lead and develop a high performing finance function, oversee annual budgeting and long‑term financial planning, and ensure high‑quality financial insight is available to the CEO, SLT and Board. The Finance Director has responsibility for the production of monthly accounts package, annual audit and statutory accounts, risk management, payroll assurance, investment strategy, and organisational compliance with Companies House, the Charity Commission, and all financial governance requirements.

You will play an integral role in supporting strong governance, working closely with the Treasurer and Board to provide clear, timely, and insightful financial performance updates, forecasts, and risk assessments.

You will also work with the Treasurer to shape investment strategy, strengthen financial controls, and uphold governance across all statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements

Equality , Diversity and Inclusion

At Action Together we value diversity, promote equity and challenge discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.

In order to ensure that our workforce reflects our communities across all levels of seniority, Action Together is offering a guaranteed interview to any candidate who meets the essential criteria listed in the person specification and who is also:

• A disabled person and/or
• A member of a community experiencing racial inequality

Action Together is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We expect all of our employees to demonstrate this commitment.

Right to work

We do not hold a Sponsor License and are unable to accept applications which require sponsorship to work in the UK

Please note, the successful candidates will be required to undertake a basic Disclosure and barring Service (DBS) check. A positive Disclosure of Offences will not automatically bar an applicant from being appointed and suitable applicants will not be refused employment because of offences that are not relevant.

Do you want to work for a dynamic, creative, fast-paced charity?

At Action Together we see the amazing things people achieve when they work together to make the lives of others better. If you share our values: believe it’s possible, strengthen others, and be true, we’d love you to consider joining our team.

Operations Director

The ideal candidate

We are looking for a values‑driven operational leader with significant experience in senior operations, systems, or transformation roles. You will bring strong technical capability in designing and embedding systems and processes, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to produce high‑quality management information for senior leaders and Boards.

You will be an influential communicator who can lead through change, build strong relationships across the organisation, and support others to work in consistent, effective, and collaborative ways. With a strong grasp of governance, risk, compliance, and organisational assurance, you will balance strategic vision with hands‑on delivery. Above all, you will share Action Together’s commitment to social justice, equity, and strengthening people, places, and partnerships

The role

The Operations Director will lead the development, optimisation, and continuous improvement of Action Together’s systems, processes, and organisational infrastructure. Working as part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will co-design, develop, and maintain internal systems and processes that enhance operational delivery and organisational efficiency, ensuring they are fully embedded into day-to-day use with clear ownership, guidance, and effective performance monitoring.

You will oversee core central functions including HR, Communications and Impact, Data Protection and Information Management, and Health & Safety. You will play a key role in internal digital transformation, policy development, risk management, and organisational compliance. You will produce high‑quality management information that supports strategic decision‑making, work closely with Locality Directors to standardise and enhance delivery models. In addition, with reference to our constitution and Scheme of Delegation you will be responsible for supporting governance at Board meetings, and the AGM.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Action Together we value diversity, promote equity and challenge discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.

In order to ensure that our workforce reflects our communities across all levels of seniority, Action Together is offering a guaranteed interview to any candidate who meets the essential criteria listed in the person specification and who is also:

• A disabled person and/or
• A member of a community experiencing racial inequality

Action Together is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We expect all of our employees to demonstrate this commitment.

Right to work

We do not hold a Sponsor License and are unable to accept applications which require sponsorship to work in the UK

Please note, the successful candidates will be required to undertake a basic Disclosure and barring Service (DBS) check. A positive Disclosure of Offences will not automatically bar an applicant from being appointed and suitable applicants will not be refused employment because of offences that are not relevant.

Finance Manager at Reading Students’ Union 

Location: University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, Berkshire 

Salary: £ 36,596 - £45,653 depending on experience

Contract: Permanent - Full time, 35 hours a week which can be condensed into 4 days

A role where you can innovate and make a real impact!  

About Reading Students’ Union 

We are a dynamic, student-focused organisation dedicated to empowering students and enhancing their university experience. Our vision is to be a place for everyone; we inspire and empower students to change the world. Check out our exciting new strategy.

The Role: Finance Manager 

As Finance Manager, you will be at the heart of Reading Students’ Union’s Finance team, providing senior operational leadership and expert financial support to ensure the Union operates efficiently, transparently, and in line with its charitable purpose, values, and legal obligations. 

You will be the trusted expert on the Union’s finances. You will be overseeing management accounts, statutory accounts, payroll, and financial systems and will be a key business partner to senior leaders, budget holders, and elected student officers. Working closely with the Director of Finance, you will help build a strong culture of effective financial management across both charitable and commercial activities, ensuring financial decisions always reflect our mission, vision, values, and ethics. 

You will be the line-manager of the Finance team, drive continuous improvement, support strategic delivery, and confidently deputise for the Director of Finance when required. 

What you’ll do:  

Financial Reporting & Data-Driven Insight 

• Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all key financial reports to support informed decision-making. 
• Prepare monthly management accounts and annual final accounts. 
• Design, maintain, and analyse KPI reports to monitor financial health and operational efficiency. 
• Respond promptly and accurately to requests for financial data and insights, including Board reports. 

Financial Planning & Business Partnering 

• Collaborate with the Director of Finance to develop and implement long-term financial planning aligned with strategic objectives. 
• Act as a trusted partner for commercial strategy, providing insights on income generation and subsidiary operations. 
• Support annual budgeting and reforecasting processes, ensuring robust financial oversight. 

Operational Finance Management 

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including invoice processing, payment runs, journal preparation, and reconciliations. 
• Manage cash flow and reserves to ensure financial stability. 
• Maintain aged debtor and creditor records and reconcile balance sheet accounts (prepayments, accruals, PAYE, NIC, payroll control). 

Systems, Controls & Compliance 

• Control the operation of the SU’s accounting system and ensure completion of month-end and year-end procedures. 
• Oversee payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. 
• Develop and maintain accessible financial procedures aligned with best practice and audit recommendations. 
• Ensure compliance with financial legislation, governance frameworks, and statutory reporting requirements (VAT returns, Charity Commission, Companies House, HMRC). 

Risk, Governance & Assurance

• Maintain an accurate and live risk register in collaboration with the Director of Finance. 
• Implement robust internal financial controls across the organisation. 
• Support the Finance & Risk Committee and ensure adequate insurance coverage and asset management. 
• Work confidently within governance frameworks, providing assurance to senior leaders and Trustees. 

Leadership & Collaboration 

• Line-manage the Finance team, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance. 
• Provide training and guidance on financial processes and best practices. 
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners, including auditors and insurers. 

About You  

Essential 

• AAT qualified or part‑qualified accountant (or willing to work towards). 
• Significant experience as a Finance Manager or in a senior finance role.
• Advanced Excel skills (creating data, analysing data, manipulating data)
• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills. 
• Organised, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities in a busy and fast-paced environment. 
• Excellent communicator, confident in explaining financial information to non‑finance colleagues. 
• Confident people manager with the ability to coach, mentor, and develop others. 
• Passionate about using financial insight to support effective decision‑making. 
• Evidence of ongoing CPD or professional development. 
• Proven experience in: 
  • Producing monthly management accounts, budgets, forecasts, and cash flow reports. 
  • Managing day‑to‑day finance operations, including invoicing, payments, reconciliations, and payroll. 
  • Business partnering with budget holders and senior leaders. 
  • Leading the development of financial processes and controls to strengthen governance, efficiency, and effectiveness. 
  • Working within governance frameworks and applying good financial controls. 
  • Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners. 

Desirable: 

• Experience working in a charity, education, or student-focused environment. 
• Knowledge of charity VAT requirements and governance frameworks. 
• Experience supporting Boards, Trustees, or Finance & Risk Committees. 
• Knowledge of EPOS, stock control, or electronic payment systems. 

Why Join Us? 

• Inclusive and supportive team culture 
• Flexible working options 
• 35 days annual leave including Christmas and Easter closure days 
• Professional development opportunities 
• Unique working environment in the heart of a vibrant Student’s Union, set on a stunning, green campus. 

Ready to make bold change happen? Ready to lead the way?  

Join us and help shape the future of student life at Reading Students’ Union. 

Committed to equality, celebrating diversity, and embedding sustainability—building an inclusive workplace and a brighter future for all.